Labour Leaders Urge Journalists To Hold Government Accountable, Champion Workers’ Rights

Labour leaders have called on journalists to strengthen their watchdog role by holding the three tiers of governments accountable and consistently drawing attention to the challenges facing Nigerian workers for sustainability of good governance.

They reiterated that Journalists should intensify their roles as societal watchdog, hold government accountable for good governance.

The call was made at the weekend in Lagos during a tribute event organised by Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) in honour of the late Labour and Business Editor of Daily Independent, Comrade
Sylvester Enoghase.

Enoghase, who died on June 16 at the age of 60, was celebrated by journalists, labour leaders, family members, friends and associates for his contributions to labour reporting and advocacy.

The labour leaders said promoting workers’ welfare and ensuring accountability in governance remained the most fitting ways to preserve the memory and legacy of the veteran labour correspondent.

Tributes were presented by representatives of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

The General Secretary of NASU, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, described the deceased as more than a journalist, saying he was a dependable partner in the struggle for social justice, workers’ welfare and national development.

Adeyemi who represented by the former President, Comrade Ivor Takor noted the roles played by
Enoghase as he devoted much of his professional career to reporting labour issues and amplifying the voices of Nigerian workers with professionalism and passion, should be upheld by members of LAWAN and all journalists at large.

On his part, the Deputy Secretary-General of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria
(ASCSN), Comrade Tony Masha, described Enoghase as a dedicated journalist and consummate professional whose contributions to journalism and the labour movement remained invaluable.

Masha urged labour correspondents to uphold the ideals associated with Enoghase by maintaining professionalism, strengthening partnerships with social stakeholders and prioritising public-interest journalism.

“If we must continue to serve the memory of Sylvester, we must maintain what he stood for by keeping the government in check.”

Moreover, Masha reminded journalist that “We also have the responsibility to continue to highlight the working conditions of the working class, especially with current N70,000 Minimum Wage which its purchasing power has been eroded with the current inflation.”

On his part, in the message sent to LAWAN, the Managing Director of NSITF, Mr. Oluwaseun Faleye, described Enoghase as an exceptional journalist and strong advocate for workers’ welfare.

His message read by LAWAN Chairman, Comrade Toba Agboola, Faleye said the late journalist used his profession to promote social justice, fairness and the interests of Nigerian workers, adding that his death had created a vacuum in labour reporting.

The team of ASSBIFI, known for defending worker rights, fighting against casualization, and pushing for better labour laws in Nigeria in the banking sector, used the occasion to preach for defendant of workers rights.

The former president of Association of Senior Staff Of Banks and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Olusoji Salako, called on journalists to continue to use their reportage as tools of correction of the ill of the society.

According to Salako, as “Late Comrade Sylvester Enoghase played a big role in maintaining peace and cordial relationships in ASSBIFI during its trying periods, and he also ensured rotation of members for events, whereby no member was sidelined for events, LAWAN members should continue to use their writing for betterment of workers.”

Similarly, the former President of ASSBIFI, Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, also described Enoghase as a steadfast ally of organised labour who believed strongly in building relationships and resolving conflicts.

She recalled his support during the ASSBIFI crisis, saying he contributed significantly to efforts aimed at resolving the dispute.

In the same vein, the immediate past President of ASSBIFI, Comrade Olusoji Oluwole, described late Comrade Sylvester Enoghase as one of the detribalised man who used his wealth of experience to the uplifting of workers rights.

According to Olusoji, “Late Comrade Enoghase
he was a dependable partner in the struggle for social justice, workers’ welfare and national development. He used his leadership of LAWAN towards inclusiveness of members in events attendances, LAWAN members should imbibe that practice.”

Other speakers at the event described Enoghase as a bridge-builder, a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and a respected journalist whose impact on labour reporting would continue to inspire future generations.